I was lucky enough to ask my Samoan friend to model for a an assignment for the U.S. Census Bureau posters. She transformed from a nervous subject into a top model in a 2 hour period! What a lucky find for me. I hope to photograph her again soon.

What a face. And a warm personality to suit.

I will be off to Photoshop World Conference in a couple of days. That alone is enough action in four days to kill a person… but wait, there is more…. Never before have I seen Bryce Canyon, or Zion National Park! And so I will head there after Vegas, for 5 nights in my pup-tent in the desert.

But wait! There is more! I will head to a desolate trail head  on the North rim of the Grand Canyon and meet up with my “October Canyon Group” and head down in to the “giant crack” for 7 nights of wilderness camping and exploration. Woo hoo!

From Vegas to absolute isolation will be something of a shock. Huh?  It’ll be fun.

The Maui Photo Festival and Workshops has come to a close.

My life might eventually return to normal. The organizers did a fabulous job with this first-year event and have the second year in planning.

It was a dream come true to work along-side some of my “guru-idols” in the industry. We had four days of instruction, and four night of socializing. Adobe Evangelist Julieanne Kost commented that this was one of the few events where she felt like she was able to meet everybody on a personal level. Adobe Senior Creative Director Dr. Russell Brown has a soft spot in his heart for Maui, and can’t wait to return. Photographer and Author Scott Bourne brought dozens of his followers to the event and so did Photographer and Author Rick Sammon.

Personally, I taught four classes and helped with a couple of other items other things.  The Pre-con class with Russell Brown was a hit and we ended up with several incredible Pirate Posters made completely from scratch. We set up a portrait studio with a green screen,and dressed Russell, Rachael, and Zane in pirate costumes. Students had to start from concept and work to completion. The winner was Ashley Camper with this amazing poster!

Also, I taught High Dynamic Range Imaging, and The Buts and Bolts of Selling your Creative Photos. My final event was the Quintessential Hawaiian Sunset Hula Shoot on the Beach! All had fantastic attendance. This was my first attempt at teaching, and I am thinking I will love to teach more in the future. Man, I was nervous. Can’t wait till next year’s show!